Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine oral solution or syrup

What is this medication?

CHLORPHENIRAMINE; DEXTROMETHORPHAN; PHENYLEPHRINE (klor fen IR a meen; dex troe meth OR fan; fen il EF rin) is a combination of an antihistamine, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant. It is used to treat the symptoms of allergies and the common cold. This medicine will not treat an infection.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Amerituss DM, Atuss DR, Balamine DM, C-Phen DM, Cardec DM, Ceron DM, Ceron-DM, ColdTuss DR, Corfen DM, CP-Dec DM, De-Chlor DM, De-Chlor DR, Dec-Chlorphen DM, Dex PC, Donatussin, ED A-HIST DM, ED-A-Hist DM, Giltuss Allergy Plus, Giltuss Children's Allergy Plus, Histadec DM, Mintuss DM, Mintuss DR, NoHist DM, Norel CS, Norel DM, PD-Cof, PE-Hist DM, Poly-Tussin DM, Reme Tussin DM, Rondec DM, Rondex-DM, Sildec PE-DM, Statuss DM, TRI-DEX PE, Tri-Vent DPC, Trital DM, TriTuss DM, Tuss DM, Tussplex DM, Uni-Tuss DM

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•diabetes

•eczema

•glaucoma

•heart disease

•high blood pressure

•lung or breathing disease, like asthma

•phenylketonuria

•stomach ulcer

•taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days

•thyroid disease

•trouble passing urine

•an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine; dextromethorphan; phenylephrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Do not give this medicine to children under 2 years old.

Patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

•medicines for cold, cough, or allergy

•medicines for weight loss

•procarbazine

•some medicines for migraine headaches

•stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•alcohol

•barbiturates like phenobarbital

•mecamylamine

•medicines for chest pain, heart disease, high blood pressure or heart rhythm problems

•medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

•medicines for sleep

•reserpine

•some herbal or nutritional supplements

•some medicines for Parkinson's disease

•some medicines for pain

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you have a fever, skin rash, or persistent headache, see your doctor. Do not take this medicine for more than one week unless directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•breathing problems

•changes in vision

•cold, clammy skin

•feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

•fast or irregular heartbeat

•hallucinations

•high blood pressure

•seizures

•tremors

•trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

•unusually weak or tired

•vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•diarrhea

•headache

•loss of appetite

•nervous or restless

•stomach upset, nausea

•trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.